Venture fund and accelerator Starburst has launched the Aviation Tech Accelerator Program in Singapore, aiming to provide solutions for airlines, airports, ground handlers, MRO companies and other players in the aviation industry, a press release confirmed. 

The programme is supported by Enterprise Singapore, Singapore Airlines, SATS and Panasonic Avionics Corporation, with mentorship support from the Association of Aerospace Industries (Singapore), Microsoft, Cocoon Capital and HFW. 

Startburst said 10 early-stage aviation startups will be accelerated through the programme each year, who will undergo 13 weeks of hands-on mentorship in investment, business development and talent acquisition. 

The venture fund added it is working closely with Singapore Airlines Group and SATS to enable technologies that would bring “peace of mind” to passengers who want to travel but are hampered by the uncertainty due to the pandemic. 

“Collaborating with startups and further elevating our strong ecosystem will help us to emerge stronger after the COVID crisis and strengthen Singapore’s position as the aviation hub in the region,” said Mr George Wang, senior vice president for information technology at Singapore Airlines. 

Mr Law Chung Ming, director for transport and logistics at Enterprise Singapore, said Starburst’s inaugural Aviation Tech Accelerator Program in Asia comes at an opportune time when the sector is looking to reinvent new ways for air transport. 

“We’re proud and honored to launch this initiative in Singapore and work with such prestigious authorities in the country’s aviation community as well as esteemed mentors, to help create a thriving startup ecosystem that’s innovating the passenger experience and solving new industry challenges,” said Francois Chopard, CEO of Starburst. 

Starburst raised $200 million in its 2016 debut fund, with family office Leonie Hill Capital as one of its investment partners in Singapore, according to TechCrunch. 

For more information, visit https://starburst.aero/ or email [email protected]